Summary:
- A doctor at Dhanmondi Eye Hospital in Dhaka mistakenly operated on the right eye of an 18-month-old child instead of the left.
- The error was discovered by the family after surgery, prompting the doctor to apologize and conduct the correct procedure.
- The child’s parents have demanded justice, fearing worse consequences if it had been a major operation.
- Police and hospital authorities have pledged investigations, with assurances of accountability for those responsible.
A shocking case of medical negligence has emerged from Dhaka, Bangladesh, where a doctor at the Dhanmondi Eye Hospital allegedly operated on the wrong eye of an 18-month-old child. The incident has sparked widespread concern over healthcare standards in the country and calls for accountability.
According to the family, they brought their child to the hospital on Tuesday afternoon due to a problem in the left eye. Doctors identified a foreign object in the left eye and recommended surgery. After completing preoperative procedures, including anesthesia, the child was taken into the operating theater. However, upon completion of the surgery, the family discovered that the procedure had been performed on the right eye instead of the left.
The child’s mother recounted the moment of realization: “We were waiting outside when they brought our baby out. My husband noticed that it was the right eye that had been operated on, not the left. We were devastated.” The family immediately informed the attending physician, who expressed regret and took the child back into surgery to address the original issue with the left eye.
The child’s father voiced his frustration and fear over what could have been a more severe outcome: “If this had been a major surgery, we might have lost our child. We demand justice for this negligence.”
The incident has drawn attention from law enforcement and hospital authorities. Ali Ahmed Masud, Officer-in-Charge of Dhanmondi Police Station, stated: “If a formal complaint is filed by the family, we will take legal action. No one responsible will be spared.” Meanwhile, the hospital’s chief executive assured that an internal investigation would be conducted and appropriate measures taken against those involved.
This case is not an isolated occurrence in Bangladesh’s healthcare system. Medical negligence has become a recurring issue, with numerous incidents reported in both public and private hospitals. Despite existing laws under sections of the Penal Code and Consumer Rights Protection Act, victims often struggle to seek justice due to gaps in legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms.
Healthcare experts and activists are urging systemic reforms to prevent such tragedies. They emphasize stricter oversight by regulatory bodies like the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and stronger accountability measures for medical professionals.
As public outrage grows, this latest case underscores an urgent need for improved patient safety protocols and legal remedies in Bangladesh’s healthcare sector. Families seeking care should not have to fear for their loved ones’ safety due to preventable errors.
Source: Jamuna TV
